Sowing and Reaping

Text: Revelation 14:14-16

Introduction

1. God’s law of sowing and reaping is stated in Galatians 6:7-9. a. This is an immutable, unchangeable, law.

b. It applies in both the physical and spiritual realms.

2. Every person is a “sower” who will reap the harvest of his own planting.

a. The world is full of heartbroken “reapers” who thought they could sow one thing and reap another.

b. Hosea 8:7. “They sow the wind, And reap the whirlwind.”

3. This lesson will consider the law of sowing and reaping to show there is a direct correlation between what is sown and what is reaped especially as it applies to those things which are spiritual.

I. Sowing the Word of God vs. Sowing the Commandments of Men A. Sowing the word of God will produce the kingdom of God.

1. In the parable of the sower, the seed is the word of God. (Luke 8:11)

2. When the word of God was preached on the day of Pentecost recorded in Acts 2, it produced Christians.

3. That same word, no matter when or where it is preached, if it falls on good and honest hearts, will have the same result.

B. Sowing the commandments of men brings vain religion. (Matt. 15:9)

1. The doctrines and teachings of men produce a plant that will be rooted up. (Matt. 15:13)

2. One must not mix the commandments of men with the pure word of God for one who does reaps condemnation. (Gal. 1:6-9; Rev. 22:18)

II. One Who Sows to the Flesh Will Reap Corruption - Galatians 6:7-8 A. This epistle was written to Christians thus these verses are a warning to

Christians.

1. Contrary to what Calvinists teach, it is possible for a Christian to so fall as to “reap corruption” and lose his soul.

2. Consider the teachings of Job 4:8 and Proverbs 22:8.

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B. How does one sow to the flesh?

1. By doing “the works of the flesh.” (Gal. 5:19-21)

a. One who engages in these works is sowing to the flesh.

b. One who practices these things “will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

2. By teaching false doctrines, “heresies.” (Gal. 5:20)

a. Heresy. “An opinion, especially a self-willed opinion, which is substituted for submission to the power of truth, and leads to division and the formation of sects: Such erroneous opinions are frequently the outcome of personal preference or the prospect of advantage.” (W.E. Vine, Expository Dictionary of NT Words)

b. All denominations, sects, cults, etc., are the results of false teaching. 3. By sowing discord among brethren.

a. Sowing discord produces “calamity.” (Prov. 6:12-15) b. God despises one who sows discord. (Prov. 6:16-19)

c. Contentious words are a source of trouble whenever they are uttered.

d. Contentious words tear down but we are to build up. (Eph. 4:29-32) e. A contentious person causes heartache, strife and unhappiness

wherever he goes.

1) But he brings the greatest woe upon himself.

2) “Suddenly he shall be broken without remedy.” (Prov. 6:15)

III. Sowing Bountifully or Sparingly

A. All want to reap a bountiful eternal harvest when they stand before the judgment seat of God but that depends on not only what they sow but also how they sow. (2 Cor. 9:6)

B. One who sows sparingly of his time, abilities, resources, and righteous works deprives himself of the abundant life here and the eternal harvest of heaven. (Matt. 25:14-40)

C. So many who claim to be Christians wonder why they are not happy or wonder what is wrong with their lives.

1. It could be they are not getting much out of life because they are not putting much into it.

2. Christians are to be “abounding in the work of the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:58)

3. Consider the examples of Dorcas in Acts 9:36-39 and the worthy woman in Proverbs 31:10-31.

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IV. He Who Sows Righteousness Will Have a Sure Reward

A. Proverbs 11:18. “The wicked man does deceptive work, But he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward.”

B. This is the substance of a righteous life.

1. A lifetime of sowing, working, striving, praying, enduring heartaches, helping others, etc., brings an eternity of joyous reaping. (Gal. 6:8)

2. It is the same as sowing to the Spirit.

a. One sows to the Spirit by obeying the teachings of the Spirit. b. If we want a sure reward, we must sow to the Spirit—work

righteousness (Acts 10:34-35), keep the commandments of God. (Eccl. 12:13)

Conclusion

1. Only those who are servants of the Master can properly sow. (Matt. 7:21ff) a. Now is the time to start sowing to the Spirit.

b. We must sow to the Spirit to reap eternal life.

2. The life in Christ brings great blessings on earth and an eternal harvest of joy in heaven.

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